I’ve been a fan of Belmont Lights for a few months now, so I was expecting one hell of a show when they took the stage for the first time ever in New York City last Sunday (June 21).

Isaiah (lead vocals/keyboard), Casey (lead guitar), Jed (bass guitar), and Chad (drums) didn’t disappoint, clearly pulling some brand new fans into their orbit during their all-too-short set in The Studio at Webster Hall.

The California natives shared the stage with Fictionist and Grace Weber, all three artists making up New Music Seminar’s Artists On The Verge Showcase finalists for this year, which is a huge deal in the music scene.

From the second that crowd heard Belmont Lights’ dynamic, pulsing rock instrumentals and Isaiah made his vocals known in that room, everyone was hooked.

They started off with “Warrior,” which really put them on the commercial radar when the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors chose the song as their anthem during the Finals.

Simply put, I felt that instrumental in my veins while they performed “Warrior.” It’s as powerful as its name implies—and the talent of the men behind it.

Their set continued with an original, “Come For Me,” their cover of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room,” and a mashup of Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody,” Miley Cyrus’ hit “Wrecking Ball,” and Kings Of Leon’s “Use Somebody.”

The energy in the room was almost tangible—the band was having a great time, and everyone else absorbed that.

They finished on a high, recruiting the crowd to harmonize with the chorus of “Raise Up,” which competes strongly with “Warrior” for their most anthemic track. It has some dark elements lyrically, but it’s all about rising from that darkness and claiming victory…

Belmont Lights certainly did when it came to dominating the stage this weekend.

Check out one of my favorite tracks from the band below!

Stay tuned for some album news coming later this year!

For more on Belmont Lights, check out their official website.